Fonfara handicaps Hopkins-Shumenov

By Przemek Garczarczyk

Light heavyweight contender Andrzej “Polish Prince” Fonfara (25-2, 15 KOs), who on May 24 in Montreal will challenge current WBC champ Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (23-1, 20 KOs) will be watching when Bernard Hopkins tests Beibut Shumenov (14-1, 9 KO) this Saturday for WBA/IBF belts. “I’m always watching other fighters, especially when they’re in my weight class and could be my next opponents.” said Fonfara, who had just finished his daily six mile morning run in Chicago. “It’s a good fight, with Hopkins being my favorite. Maybe 60-40 odds for ‘The Executioner’ because of his activity, championship level of competition.”

According to the Polish Prince, experience and ring generalship should be a decisive factor in Washington. “In his last fight, after almost an 18-month boxing hiatus, Shumenov fought a fighter from Slovakia and there’s no way it could be enough when you have face fighter as smart as Hopkins,” said Fonfara. “Beibut is of course much younger and will try to outwork Hopkins, but this is always the plan when you face him. It’s easier said than done.”

Asked about his preparations for “Superman,” Fonfara said “One word – perfect. I already have 54 sparring rounds behind me. Everything is going according to the plan. 6 weeks to Montreal, ten days from now I’m leaving for Abel Sanchez in Big Bear to put some finishing touches to my training. Great place where you sleep, eat and breathe boxing.”